Guide details
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon
How to get there
Marina is in the city; Kovalam is a short drive down the ECR
Highlights
Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach and Kovalam’s Blue Flag coast
Good for
Sunset walks, families and surfers
Price range
Free
One of the great joys of Chennai is that the sea is never far away. The city and the coast just south of it are lined with beaches, from the famous and busy to the quiet and hidden. Here is where to find the best of them.
Marina Beach
The most famous of them all, Marina is a vast sweep of sand along the city’s eastern edge. It is busiest in the evenings, when families gather, vendors sell snacks and the whole city seems to come down for the breeze. It is for strolling and people-watching rather than swimming, as the currents are strong.
Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar
Known to locals simply as Bessie, Elliot’s Beach is calmer and more relaxed, ringed with cafes and a favourite for an easy evening out. It has a lovely neighbourhood feel and is perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing.
Kovalam and the Blue Flag coast
Head down the East Coast Road and you reach Kovalam, home to one of India’s Blue Flag certified beaches, a mark of clean, safe and well-kept shores. This stretch of coast is also the heart of the local surfing scene, with schools offering lessons for beginners.
Covelong, Golden Beach and beyond
The ECR keeps giving. Covelong is a pretty fishing village turned weekend spot, Golden Beach near the amusement parks is popular with families, and smaller beaches like Thiruvanmiyur and Akkarai offer quieter sand if you are after some peace.
Making a day of it
The coast south of Chennai pairs beautifully with a trip to Mahabalipuram, so you can combine ancient temples with a swim and fresh seafood. For more ways to spend your time, see our guide to the best things to do in Chennai.
Whether you want the buzz of Marina or the calm of a hidden cove, Chennai’s coast has a beach for every mood. Just remember the sun is strong, so bring water, a hat and a healthy respect for the sea.
The beaches, on the map
From the city’s own sands to the cleaner coves down the ECR.